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Would give under-skilled parents access to affordable childcare so they can further education and job training

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Memphis Bioworks Foundation received a $3,984,433 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Strengthening Working Families Initiative to help low- to middle- skilled parents access affordable, quality child care they need to earn an education, participate in training programs and ultimately compete for better-paying jobs in emerging industries.

“Many Memphians still struggle to find decent jobs in today’s economy and it’s particularly hard when you are also raising a family,” said Congressman Cohen.“This influx of federal funding will help provide Memphians with the education and training they need to fill good-paying, 21st century jobs in the Mid-South while keeping their children in a safe environment. With Memphis Bioworks’ proven track record of success, I am confident that this funding will be put to good use providing opportunities to our city’s parents.”

“Caring for children and being responsible parents should not be obstacles for working families seeking to compete for better-paying jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “The grants we’re awarding today will help more working parents find affordable, high-quality child care while training for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

To learn more about the U.S. Department of Labor’s Strengthening Working Families Initiative, visit www.doleta.gov/grants.